I wish to convey my admiration and appreciation for Patty Bode, interim principal of Amherst Regional Middle School, where I teach social studies.
One of the many wonderful aspects she has brought to the school is her desire to engage students with the real-world events transpiring around them, such as the March 14 National School Walkout to end gun violence. Many administrators around the country were stumped about how to respond to the disruption these protests would cause.
Bode’s idea was to embrace it as an opportunity to educate students, not just about gun violence and the Second Amendment, but about civic engagement. She decided that the early release day would be devoted to these issues. The students learned the history of the right to bear arms, heard the voices of those on all sides, had small group discussions, listened silently to the names of the Parkland victims, walked outside as a way to remember victims of gun violence, and finally had space to write to elected officials to express their views on the issues.
Bode would be the first to say that she didn’t do all this planning herself. She consulted with all teachers and counselors and incorporated their feedback. Knowing this was a student-led movement, and that some ARMS students had already submitted a letter to U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern that he had read on the floor of the House, she worked with these students and folded in their ideas. She opened the door for faculty to plan the events with her.
At all times, she was careful to let students know that the school was not endorsing one way to think, but encouraging students to think critically for themselves and learn how to be active participants in society. Bode is a rare leader that not only has vision, but also the ability to facilitate those around her to create something bigger than themselves.
Claire Cocco
Amherst